Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- What is the significance of the character's communism? Why does Hemingway show us a communist character?
- Is it important that the story is set in Italy? Would it be significantly different if it were set, for instance, in France? How about in Germany?
- How does the story's narrative perspective shape the portrayal of the comrade?
- What do you make of the story's extreme brevity? Why do you think Hemingway cuts if off so early? What does this lack add to the story?
- Is this a war story? Why or why not?